Audition FAQs
How do I find an accompanist?
WIU provides a professional accompanist for all vocal students free of charge for their audition. Those professional accompanists also serve our current students at no cost during the school year.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my audition?
Students have the option to provide a music résumé and/or letters of recommendation at their audition, if they did not do so within their application. These optional documents help inform scholarship decisions.
What does the audition day schedule look like?
- Students are required to complete a live audition in front of an audition committee consisting of faculty in their area. Typically, audition days also include optional Q&A sessions, faculty performances, and campus tours.
- Students are assigned a time and room about one week prior to their audition day. Preferences can be noted on the audition application.
- Students should check-in at COFAC Recital Hall before their audition, giving themselves ample time to warm-up in Sallee Hall. Escorts will be available to guide students to the correct buildings.
- Dates which coincide with classes on campus will include open rehearsals and classrooms for parents and students to observe.
- President's Day auditions coincide with a Discover Western (WIU open house). Students can plan to attend the open house and audition on the same day. Please note this on the audition application.
What should I wear?
Students should present themselves in a professional manner. Dress pants, collared shirts, skirts, and dresses are all popular choices.
What are the acceptance levels?
Students' auditions are assessed based on the major for which they applied. For example, performance majors are expected to audition at a higher level than a music minor.
Students are accepted at:
- Performance Level
- Music Education Level
- Music Therapy/Music Business Level
- Music Minor level
What if I can't attend the audition days?
There is an online option to submit your audition, or you may schedule an individual audition date. Select either "submit an online audition" or "request an alternate date" in the audition application. Those submitting online auditions should be prepared with unlisted YouTube links at the time of application submission.
I am unsure that my audition repertoire is appropriate. What should I do?
You can contact the instructor of your instrument for clarification or suggestions by locating them
here. You may also reference the
audition guidelines.
Can I audition on more than one instrument?
You should consider auditioning on a primary and secondary instrument only if you intend to take lessons and/or perform in ensembles on both instruments. Doing so may increase your scholarship eligibility, depending on the level of the audition and ensemble need.
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